Calling Blighty from the Land Down Under: A Guide for the Bewildered Aussie
So, you've got a mate in London, eh? Perhaps they owe you a Fosters after that whole "who invented the pavlova" debate? Fear not, fair dinkum cobber, because this here guide will have you chatting with your Pommy pal in no time!
Step 1: Ditch the Boomerang, Grab the Phone
First things first, forget about trying to chuck a boomerang all the way to England (trust me, it's a bad idea for both the boomerang and anyone in its flight path). You'll need a phone, ya drongo. Mobile or landline, doesn't matter – both can get you connected.
Step 2: Dialing Down Under
Now, here's where things might get a bit tricky. It's like trying to understand the offside rule in cricket – just follow these simple steps, and you'll be a champion in no time:
- The Magic Exit Code: Every country has a special code to let the outside world know you're trying to phone them. Australia's is 0011 (or + on a mobile). Think of it like knocking on the international phone door.
- United Kingdom Calling: Next, you need the UK country code, which is 44. This is like saying "G'day" to the entire United Kingdom.
- London Calling: Now, for the fun part! London numbers usually have a 20 area code at the start (though this might not be the case for mobiles). Don't forget to drop the leading zero from the area code when dialling – the Brits are a bit fancy like that.
- The Grand Finale: Finally, punch in your mate's actual phone number.
Here's an example to make things crystal clear: Let's say your mate's number is 020 7946 1234. You'd dial: 0011 44 20 7946 1234 (or +44 20 7946 1234 on a mobile). Easy as chucking a shrimp on the barbie!
Top Tip: Calling Blighty can be expensive, especially on a landline. Consider using a calling card, app, or international calling plan to save your hard-earned dollary doos.
Step 3: Brace Yourself for Banter
Alright, you've connected! Now comes the real challenge – understanding the Brit's slang. Be prepared for terms like "brilliant" (which actually means good), "taking the mickey" (teasing), and "chippy" (fish and chip shop, not a grumpy person...hopefully).
Bonus Round: Essential Aussie Slang for the Call
- "Fair dinkum?" – Really?
- "She'll be right, mate" – Everything will be alright
- "Crikey!" – An expression of surprise
FAQ - Calling London from Australia: A Cheat Sheet
How to find the UK country code?
The UK country code is 44.
How to find the London area code?
London numbers usually have a 20 area code, but it might not be there for mobiles.
How to dial an international number from a mobile phone in Australia?
Use + instead of 0011 followed by the country code and phone number.
How to save money on international calls?
Consider calling cards, apps, or international calling plans.
How to understand British slang?
Good luck, mate! But this guide might come in handy for understanding basic terms.
